Stockholm Syndrome {h.s}

One

"Seven-hundred fifty thousand grand was stolen last night at Grand Tree Bank here in Redwood Heights, California. The money was taken early this morning at 1:36am but reports say the thieves were running towards a black Cargo van and soon getting into the vehicle and taking off with the money. Witnesses report five tall men were seen taking the money dressed in all black. Police soon got to the premises to find no clues left behind but are still looking for information. Further news will be told tonight at eight, that's your news at seven, back to you Carson." the women reporter says into the camera with a smile.

"Lia, sweetheart, are you almost ready?" my mother asks me sweetly cutting my attention from the television to her. I turn my head to face her and I take in her outfit. She is still wearing her house coat and her slippers that are hiding her perfectly polished toes, one hand holding a steaming cup of black coffee  and with another, fixing her reading glasses that seem to have fallen to the bridge of her nose. When I look at her face, she's starring at me waiting for an answer.

"Um," I look down at what I'm wearing; dark skinny jeans, peachy pink tank top with a black cardigan, buttons undone. Faint voices coming from the television behind me. "Yeah." I finally answer.

She nods and walks back to the kitchen, taking a sip of her coffee. I turn back to the television to see three kids from Africa on the screen, smiling. That makes me think, the robbers better have put that money in a charity program. I look down in front of me and lean forward, grabbing my plate from my breakfast and walking over to the kitchen sink to wash it. As I pour a few drips of soap into the sink and turn the tap on, I start a conversation with my mom because I can feel her awkward stare.

"So, did you watch the news? About the bank?" I politely ask her while I rub my dish with a wet dish cloth, my back toward her.

"Well I was standing beside you wasn't I?" she snaps. I doon't know why she's in a mood but I'll ignore her choice in tone to save me from a fight I always seem to loose.

"Right." is my response. When I'm done with my dish i put it on the dish wrack and walk to the living room mirror.

A few moments pass when my mother breaks the silence. "How long did you stay up last night studying?" she asks me in a harsh tone, again. What got her in this state so quickly? Mood swing probably.

I roll my eyes at her while i fix my hair one last time and grab my jacket and bag. "Eleven thirty." I answer her.

She walks toward me. "Tonight it's eleven sharp." she demands.

"Yes, mother." I say as I roll my eyes, hoping she won't say another word as I close the door and head and walk to school.

**

Today at school was like every other day at school, I spend most of my time with my boyfriend Sebastian for lunch and my two classes I take with him, literature and music.

When I step through the front door, it's unlocked. Not that its a real surprise or anything, just my mother usually locks every door in the house; home or not. I put my key back in my bag, little did I know, I didn't need it today. I turn around and lock the door then set my bag down on the floor and start taking off my jacket.

"Mom!" I yell. I wait a couple seconds before I hear high heel shoes coming down our long dark wood stairs. She comes around the corner and her outfit is very surprising. She's wearing her hair curled, dark blonde locks falling past her shoulders, more makeup on than usual and a red dress is placed over her body. She walks over to me wearing a bright white smile while putting a pearl earring into her ear with both hands.

"Yes, dear?" she asks me. She does a little spin, clearly noticing my stare. "Do I look okay?" she asks me worry clear in her voice, her smile disappearing slightly and letting go of her now put in earring.

"Um, yes, absolutely, but, what's the occasion?" I ask her raising a brow.

She stifles a giggle but it sounds more like a dead frog in her throat. "A sweet man will be here shortly coming to take me to dinner." she answers, her smile reappearing. I'm quite surprised by her answer.

"Wow, mom, that's great to hear! Is he charming?" I'll just act happy and excited for her sake...

She smiles even brighter, I'm almost blinded by her perfect white teeth. "Oh he's magnificent, Lia! Such a sweet and amazing man he is." she says. Looking above my head, her smile still present. We sound like school girls, besides the fancy 1890 language.

A horn honks from outside the house and my mother squeals, grabbing her long fur coat from the closet.

"Mother it's March 2014 and we live in Cali, not January 1960 in Canada." I assure her with a silly smile.

"Oh you're right," she says, putting the big coat back on a hanger and into the closet.

"Just wear that, you look stunning and I'm sure he won't be able to stop starring." I tell her while putting a hand on her shoulder. She gives me a small smile and then a hug goodbye. A honk sounds from outside again and she steps out the door, telling me she will be home around nine-thirty. I lock the door behind her, man I hope she's safe for tonight.

But will I be?

***

First chapter!! Hope you all enjoy reading this loves xx If any of you were wondering, I imagine Lia's mom as Jessica Lange